A family in Dublin has been sued by their neighbors to force them to stop playing basketball in their own backyard.  The complaint is based on “noise pollution” violations and was submitted to the court by their next-door neighbor.  The court has ordered a limit on the time the children can play basketball while both sides engage in mediation to settle the dispute.

The neighbor claims the noise of the children playing the game has had a negative impact on his life, and claims other neighbors feel the same way.  The family questioned this, stating that their neighbor complained in person once three years before and that they have not heard from any other neighbors – or the complainant – since.  They also state that the play is reasonable, never occurs late at night, and is “the kinds of things you should expect to put up with living in an estate.”

While mediation is ongoing, the court has order the children to restrict their playing to between 5pm and 7pm weekdays and noon and 1pm on weekends.  The court suggested that the family rent out a basketball court, but the family maintains that isn’t financially practical for them, and state the issue is one of reasonable use of one’s own property balanced against the preferences of neighbors.

The mediation is scheduled for the next few weeks and the court will take up the complaint again on July 17^th if no settlement is reached.  In the meantime, the family must abide by the court order regarding restricted playing time.